CVE-2023-3414 - How a CSRF Flaw in Jenkins ServiceNow DevOps Plug-in Could Leak Your Secrets (and How to Fix It)
In June 2023, a security vulnerability (CVE-2023-3414) landed in popular DevOps circles, with potential to expose sensitive data from Jenkins environments using the ServiceNow DevOps plug-in. What does it mean for you, and what should you do? Let's break it down in simple English, show you a possible exploit in code, and guide you on patching up your pipeline.
What Exactly is CVE-2023-3414?
CVE-2023-3414 is a *cross-site request forgery* (CSRF) vulnerability in the ServiceNow DevOps plug-in for Jenkins. The bug affects all plug-in versions before 1.38.1. If an attacker tricks an authenticated Jenkins user (like a developer or admin) into clicking a malicious link or visiting a crafted website while logged into Jenkins, they may be able to execute actions that leak sensitive information.
In simple terms: if you're running a version of the ServiceNow DevOps plug-in older than 1.38.1, and someone gets you to click the wrong thing, it's possible for them to pull confidential data from your Jenkins without your knowledge.
Attacker crafts a web page containing malicious JavaScript or an HTML form.
- If a Jenkins admin (with the vulnerable plug-in and an active login session) visits that page, the browser automatically makes a POST request to the Jenkins server – as if the admin themselves triggered it.
The plug-in does not properly verify the request's origin.
- Secret information (like credentials, build logs, or environment variables) could be returned to the attacker’s server.
A Simple Exploit Example
Suppose Jenkins runs at http://jenkins.example.com/ and the vulnerable REST endpoint is /servicenowdevops/getSecrets. An attacker’s HTML page might look like:
<!-- save this as evil.html and send it to the victim -->
<form action="http://jenkins.example.com/servicenowdevops/getSecrets" method="POST">
<input type="hidden" name="secretId" value="all">
<input type="submit" value="Submit">
</form>
<script>
// Auto-submit evil form as soon as page loads
document.forms[].submit();
</script>
When the victim is logged into Jenkins and views this page, the browser will automatically POST the sensitive request as if the user themselves sent it.
Note: The exact vulnerable endpoint may vary, but this demonstrates the CSRF principle.
Who is Affected?
- If you use Jenkins AND the ServiceNow DevOps plug-in (before version 1.38.1), you are vulnerable.
How to Upgrade
- In Jenkins, go to: Manage Jenkins → Manage Plugins → Available/Updates.
Official References
- _(Official plugin advisory/announcement)_:
- Jenkins Security Advisory for Plugins
- ServiceNow DevOps Plugin Changelog
_(CVE entry)_:
Final Thoughts
CSRF bugs are often underestimated, but they can let attackers ride your admin privileges right into private data. The only safe answer for CVE-2023-3414 is to upgrade your Jenkins ServiceNow DevOps plug-in now. It’s a quick fix – and it's always better than cleaning up a data leak later.
Have trouble or need more security tips? Check the Jenkins Security Docs or reach out to your DevOps team.
Timeline
Published on: 07/26/2023 19:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 08/01/2023 20:36:00 UTC